NFL Draft Profile: Warren McClendon

Georgia has had its fair share of elite offensive linemen over the past few years. Since the Kirby Smart era began in 2016, three offensive tackles have been selected in the first round of the NFL Draft; Isaiah Wynn, Andrew Thomas, and Isaiah Wilson.

Warren McClendon is looking to become the next one to hear his name called. The senior out of Brunswick, Georgia is currently ranked as the 160th overall prospect according to ESPN.

A member of the 2019 class, McClendon came to Georgia as the #22 overall tackle prospect in the country according to 247Sports. A member of Brunswick High’s football and basketball teams, McClendon fit the bill for the type of athletes Georgia covets at tackles. At 6-foot-4, he’s right about average for tackles across the country, but slightly shorter than the players Georgia typically recruiting for that position.

Fun fact: While at Brunswick High, McClendon was coached by Sean Pender, the same head coach Stetson Bennett had while at Pierce County.

He saw limited action as a freshman, but in 2020, replacing the departed Isaiah Wilson, McClendon stepped in at right tackle, starting nine out of ten games. After that, he held on to the job with picture-perfect technique and outstanding results. McClendon started every game of Georgia’s 2021 National Championship season, and did the same in 2022 up until the SEC Championship, when he left with a lower leg injury.

As mentioned before, Warren McClendon isn’t the biggest guy in the world, but his technique has truly separated him from many of his peers. Perhaps his best stretch came in the 2022 College Football Playoff, when Georgia beat Michigan and Alabama to take home the title. Georgia didn’t allow a sack to Michigan, with McClendon consistently stoning future-first round pick Aidan Hutchinson all night. Against Alabama, McClendon helped hold Will Anderson to 0 sacks.

Whoever ends up drafting Warren McClendon will be getting a player with great knowledge of the position, an elite resume, and a wonderful pedigree. McClendon is the nephew of former Georgia and NFL running back Willie McClendon and the cousin of Georgia wide receivers coach Bryan McClendon. His technique is second to none, having been coached by offensive line greats Sam Pittman, Matt Luke, and Stacy Searels.

If there is a knock on McClendon, it will be his ability to hold weight. Though 6-foot-4, he’s had to fight to stay north of 300, which is about 15 pounds lighter than the average NFL offensive tackle. He’s still young, so there’s a chance that he thickens out over the coming years.

Warren McClendon was in the car during the fatal crash that took the lives of football recruiting specialist Chandler LeCroy and fellow offensive lineman Devin Willock. He reportedly suffered minor injuries, and physically seems to be doing well. He attended the Reese’s Senior Bowl, where he wore Willock’s No. 77 in his honor.

He’ll be in Indianapolis for the NFL Combine, which is scheduled to begin on February 28th.

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